Functional assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Purpose: To describe available methods for assessing functional capacity in persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Data sources: An extensive literature review is used to provide pertinent information.

Conclusions: COPD disease affects millions of Americans and is physically and psychologically distressing. The hallmark of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is irreversible airflow limitation and dyspnea. Dyspnea is a major contributor to decreased exercise capacity and functional status in this population. Understanding the methods to complete a functional assessment is important for all practitioners caring for this population.

Implications for practice: This paper provides an overview of current methods used to assess functional status, including pulmonary function testing, exercise testing, and anthropomorphic and self-report measurements. In addition, there is discussion of the indications and contraindications for exercise testing in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the clinical significance of performing a global composite of functional ability.